Good Vibrations: Buzzing Capsule Could Relieve Constipation

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People who suffer from constipation could get some relief by
swallowing a capsule that vibrates as it moves through the
digestive tract, new research finds.

The capsule nearly doubled the weekly bowel movements of patients
with chronic
constipation and constipation-related irritable bowel
syndrome, according to research presented May 3 at a major
digestive disease conference in Chicago.

"Despite the widespread use of medication to treat constipation,
nearly 50 percent of patients are unsatisfied with the treatment
— either because of side effects, safety concerns about long-term
use, or the fact that it simply doesn't work," study leader Dr.
Yishai Ron, of Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel, said
in a statement. [ Poop
Apps: 5 Tools for Tracking Your Stools ]

Smooth move

In the study, 26 patients swallowed the vibrating capsule twice
per week for 12 weeks, and completed a daily questionnaire about
their bowel movements. All patients had stopped using laxatives
two weeks before participating in the study.

While using the vibrating capsule, patients reported an increase
in spontaneous bowel movement, from two to four times per week.
In addition, the patients reported fewer symptoms of constipation
— such as difficulty passing stools and incomplete evacuation.

There were few side effects, according to the researchers. A few
patients complained of abdominal pain, diarrhea or flatulence,
and two patients who began participating in the study withdrew
from it because of the requirement that they collect the capsules
after they were expelled with their stools.

The capsule contains a tiny engine, which is programmed to start
vibrating six to eight hours after it is swallowed. The
vibrations cause the digestive tract to contract, keeping the
contents moving along, the researchers said. The capsules were
non-reusable.

Chronic constipation affects as much as 15 percent of the U.S.
population, and symptoms can cause pain and reduce people's
quality of life, the researchers said. The most common causes
include lack of fiber and liquids in the diet, lack of exercise,
medications, older age and abuse of
laxatives.

Although laxatives can sometimes bring relief, they come with a
host of side effects, including bloating and electrolyte
imbalance. By contrast, the vibrating pill mimics the body's
natural physiology, Ron said.

The researchers plan to conduct a controlled, double-blind study
— in which neither the researchers nor the patients know who is
receiving the treatment — to investigate the vibrating capsule's
potential.